GRADE 5

Earth, Sun, and Moon Models with Robotics

We learned about how the Moon orbits the Earth and how the Earth revolves around the Sun. Then, we created models of these movements using LEGOs and code.

Aliens and Planets with Generative AI

We used the generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool in Adobe Express to create aliens and fictional planets. We focused on using descriptive words to provide as much detail for the AI tool. 

Hydraulic Mazes

We designed, built, and tested hydraulic marble mazes with cardboard, hot glue, syringes, plastic tubes, and water.

Space-Themed Digital Sand Art

We used Google Image search to look up photos of planets in our solar system. Then, we used the colors we found as inspirtation for digital sand art.

Interactive Animations

We used Scratch, Makey Makey, and homemade playdough to create space-themed games. Since this was a complex project with multiple components, we started by discussing the different tasks we would need to complete and decided on which tasks we needed to complete first.

We started by coming up with a theme for our game, sketching out some playdough design ideas, and coding in Scratch. In our Scratch games, a spaceship needs to avoid asteroids (or some other object) and collect fuel. We needed to create variables (for health and speed) and clones. Here's what we started with. And here's a game about a shark avoiding trash that we used as inspiration for the space game.

Web Design

We created a simple website using Google Sites that we will update throughout the year. The website serve as a portfolio that will show what we make and learn throughout the year. 

We made a homepage with a header photo. We also made an "About Me" page with photos, text, and an embedded video. We discussed what kinds of personal information we would and would not want to put on the website. We also kicked off an ongoing discussion about using text, images, and other content in ethical ways that respect copyright.

Genius Hour

We kicked off Genius Hour. Students in grades 4-8 have opportunities during their Digital Literacy classes throughout the year to design and complete projects of their choosing. Schools across the world implement Genius Hour programs to support students in pursuing their own interests and explore their passions. The Wildcat Workshop, with its materials and emphasis on civic and creative uses of digital technologies, is a perfect space for this kind of activity.

Science Fair, Robotics, NSBE Jr. and WHYY Media Lab Clubs

Students participating in after school clubs in the Wildcat Workshop worked on the following tasks and projects:

• Science fair members conducted independent science research for the Carver Science Fair.

• Robotics team members built rovers and solved mission challenges. They were supported by Digital Service Fellows, Penn Engineers, and parent volunteers. In December, we participated in a FIRST LEGO League Challenge event at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.

• WHYY Media Lab members learned how to set up cameras and began planning projects. They are supported by Digital Service Fellows, students from Penn GSE, and staff members from WHYY. In January, we took a field trip to WHYY.

• Members of the jr. chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) helped to plan and facilitate Math Night. They also learned from guest speakers about architecture (Miles's dad) and engineering, and took a field trip to the Fairmount Water Works.